Starting in 2025, vehicle entering visiting Uttarakhand, including those undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, will be required to pay a green cess for their vehicles. This initiative aims to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable tourism in the region, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and ecological balance.
The Uttarakhand government has initiated the process of finalizing a plan to impose a green cess on vehicles entering the state’s borders and those traveling to the Uttarakhand. Under this plan, a fixed fee (green cess) will be charged for vehicles entering Uttarakhand from other states as well as those heading to the Char Dham temples. This measure aims to protect the environment and reduce pollution in the region.
Uttarakhand government has sent this proposal of green cess to the central government and sought their advice. After getting the consent of the Centre, it will be implemented in the state. Green cess, also known as pollution or environmental cess, will apply specifically to vehicles that harm the environment.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology will be used to impose green cess on vehicles entering Uttarakhand. ANPR cameras installed at the state border will identify the number plates of vehicles and the cess amount will be automatically deducted from the FASTag wallet of the vehicle concerned. This system will be implemented on all the borders of Uttarakhand.
Two-wheeler: Will be exempted from green cess. Three wheeler: INR 20/- Four-wheeler private vehicle: INR 40/- Medium and Heavy vehicles: INR 60/- and INR 80/- respectively.
Electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, vehicles with state number plates, government vehicles, fire engines and ambulances will be completely exempted from green cess.
Vehicle owners will be charged a cess based on single-day entries. However, they will also have the option to purchase extended validity passes. These include a quarterly pass priced at 20 times the daily rate and an annual pass costing 60 times the daily rate, according to the official.
The Uttarakhand government has decided to exempt local residents, vehicles engaged in essential services, and eco-friendly vehicles from this cess. This step has been taken in the direction of preserving the environment without putting any financial burden on the local people.
The objective of imposing green cess is to reduce pollution and maintain environmental balance in the state. Due to Chardham Yatra and other tourist activities, the number of vehicles in Uttarakhand is increasing every year, which is having a negative impact on the air and environment of the hilly areas. In 2024 only, 12 lakh vehicles reached Uttarakhand during the Chardham Yatra, out of which more than 8 lakh were private vehicles. This continuously increasing number is further increasing the environmental pressure.
The number of vehicles in the state is increasing rapidly during Chardham Yatra. Of the 12 lakh vehicles traveling in 2024, 4.59 lakh were commercial vehicles. This increasing number has increased the pressure on the environment, to control which green cess is being considered an effective solution.
Uttarakhand Transport Department says that Green Cess is an important step for environmental protection. Through this, polluting vehicles will be controlled and people will be encouraged towards environment-friendly options like electric and CNG.
This green cess scheme reflects the government’s commitment to reduce environmental pollution and preserve hilly areas. This step will not only promote environmental protection but will also prove to be an important initiative towards making Uttarakhand a pollution-free state.
The Transport Department has started the process of appointing a private company to implement the Green Cess. The tender process for this is also going on. This new system of green cess can be implemented after the proposed civic elections on 23 January 2025.
Char Dham tour packages typically begin from popular starting points such as Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Pilgrims need to reach one of these locations to start their sacred Char Dham Yatra. If you are traveling from another state in India, you must arrange your journey to the starting point on your own. Alternatively, you can request your chardham tour operator to organize transportation from your location to the starting point for a seamless travel experience.
By ensuring proper char dham travel arrangements in advance, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and focus entirely on your spiritual journey through the Char Dham circuit. Whether you choose to handle your travel or rely on your travel agent, planning ahead will make your char dham yatra stress-free and more fulfilling.
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